2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Sire by Kate Pavelle (016-02-23-2016)

[reviews_and_ramblings]

1) Sire was an intriguing surprise for me. It explores the lives of angsty teenagers without resorting to any over the top drama and the usual slammed doors and bratty outbursts. Main characters Robbie and Brent come from very different backgrounds, yet share the same concerns: what will they do with the rest of their lives, how do they choose their career? Do they try to walk their father’s or family’s chosen path, or do they dare follow their dreams? I loved how Kate Pavelle explored what happens inside a young adult’s mind and how easily things can go very wrong without many signs for others to pick up from. A young man coming from what looks like a perfect life and family gets so caught up between dealing with his identity, from bloodline to sexuality, and external pressures on what to do after high school, that it opens the door to unspeakable tragedy. Yet on the outside, very little changes and only those paying very close attention to him can pick up on the signs. The characters caught me because they seem to have real concerns, not just a first crush or first love. They are worried about family and a future career and being accepted. Love and discovering who they are, these are just parts of a bigger puzzle they need to sort out as they carry on with their day to day lives. While the relationship between Robbie and Brent is center stage, it does not push everything else in the background, it’s visibly integrated in everything else they do. The pacing might seem slow, but it isn’t. Things happen all the time, even if they aren’t big events. It’s a bit like a dam: everything in the character’s daily life builds up until it gets to be too much and reaches a breaking point. All in all, a great read, tears included.

2) Good plot - seemingly sweet story had hidden depths. Although the suicidal ideas seemed to come suddenly out of the blue, the large build up of issues gave a very realistic reason for them occurring. Nice distinct main characters & well drawn. I particularly liked Rob's self confidence which enabled him to think of others. Obviously an area of knowledge for the author, but I didn't feel there had been an info dump. Also obvious were that there had been a previous book, but I didn't feel adrift because of it - just made me wamt to read it. Writing style very slightly choppy, but story well expressed and telling the story from both MCs' pov was successfully handled.

Sire by Kate Pavelle
Gay Young Adult
Paperback: 244 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 23, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1634766024
ISBN-13: 978-1634766029
Amazon: Sire (Steel City Stories)
Amazon Kindle: Sire (Steel City Stories)

A companion to Broken Gait

A Steel City Story

A new transfer, Robbie Kowalski embraces his fresh start at Three Rivers Academy. Freedom from football, delightfully challenging academics, family support―Robbie is thrilled. No more fumbles, no more gay taunts, and a refreshing challenge at blending in with the kids of rich people, the sort his dad usually works for. Robbie’s even willing to work in his dad’s carpentry business to help pay tuition, especially once he gets to know his cute lab partner, Brent.

Brent Kenson, competitive rider and key man in his uncle’s stable, schemes to escape the legal career his dad has all planned out for him. He almost pulls it off too, until a scorching kiss from Robbie turns his world upside down. When Brent discovers his dad is not his real father, his world flips again, and he’s left reeling and desperate for escape.

With time running out, Robbie must find a way to help Brent confront his fear of rejection and embrace who he is before Brent takes a drastic step to end his pain―permanently.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html